Throughout the 9th edition of the Brixia Tour Team Barloworld’s riders showed their aggressive style of racing, sparing no effort in the race.
Also during the fifth and last stage, from Bisogne to Darfo Boario Terme of 185km, Team Barloworld was in the tick of the action and went so close to win with British Geraint Thomas.
Following the attacks of Steve Cummings and Francesco Bellotti early in the morning, Olympic Champion Thomas joined the most relevant break of the day with around 130km to go. The escape consisted of ten men and reached a maximum advantage of 3′ 30".
As the front riders went close to the finish, the margin of the escape was progressively decreasing and with around 3km to go Thomas decided to get rid of the other escapees and fight for a victory.
Unfortunately the sprinters were determined to have a go at win and they jumped across to the Team Barloworld’s rider with only 1km to go. Mattia Gavazzi from team Diquigiovanni achieved his second win in the 2009 Brixia Tour as he outsprinted Riccio and Ventoso. Gianpaolo Caruso from Flaminia won the final classification.
"Unfortunately we missed the victory today, but Thomas showed he’s a classy rider", DS Valerio Tebaldi stated. "He was strong today and looked to be on track for the next races. All the riders reached a good condition and we can be optimistic".
